Cardinals QB coach Kitchens has heart surgery

The Sports Xchange

The SportsXchangeJune 5, 2013

Arizona Cardinals quarterbacks coach Freddie Kitchens underwent heart surgery Tuesday night after becoming ill during an OTA practice Tuesday. "During Tuesday's practice Freddie Kitchens began to feel ill -- dizzy, light-headed -- and was sent to the training room. After being evaluated by the team's medical staff it was determined that he should be taken to the hospital for more evaluation and testing," the Cardinals said in a news release. "During that process, a CT scan revealed a defect to his aorta that required surgery, which he had Tuesday night at the Arizona Heart Institute. According to the doctors who performed the surgery, it went very well and the early prognosis is positive. The Kitchens family is grateful to everyone who has and continues to extend their support, well wishes and prayers." Kitchens is in his seventh season as a Cardinals assistant and coached the tight ends last season. He took over the quarterbacks following the hiring of Bruce Arians as head coach.